Judy Bowman, St. Gerard Catholic Church

Today is Veterans Day. Today we remember and honor all the men and women who have served our country, de-fended our freedoms, fought our wars and kept our peace. From Valley Forge to Chickamauga, from the Phillipines and Vietnam, to France and Afghanistan and all the battlefields in-between, we honor their service and sacrifice. The Congressional Medal is the highest military honor our nation bestows in recognition of remarkable bravery and sacrifice. Just last week, the Secretary of the Army recommended that one more brave American solider be awarded this medal. Fr. Emil Kapaun was a Catholic priest and U. S. Army chaplain who died in a a North Korean prisoner of war camp on May 23, 1951. He was 35 years old.

Emil Kapaun was born on April 20, 1916 and grew up on a farm just outside the small town of Pilsen, Kansas. Af-ter high school, he attended seminary in St. Louis and was ordained a priest in June, 1940. He served as a civilian chaplain at a local Army base before joining the Army in 1944 and serving in India. In 1946, he returned to the States and attended Catholic University in Washington, D.C. where he earned an M.A. in education in 1948. He saw his family and his Kansas home for the last time on Christmas, 1949. The next month he was stationed in Japan when he and his unit received orders to go to South Korea and join in the fighting there. He and his men fought their way north for four months before being taken prisoners by the Chinese and locked up in POW Camp #5 in Pyoktong, North Korea. The conditions in the prison were deplorable. Survivors of the camp report intense cold, little food, sleep deprivation, beatings, and torture. Soldiers say that Fr. Emil was the reason they survived the ordeal. Stories of his heroism in escaping the camp to bring food back for his starving soldiers are numerous. He would give away pieces of his own clothing to bandage the wounds of injured men. If a soldier was too sick to care for himself, Fr. Emil would wash their filthy and lice-infested clothing in an effort to limit the spread of dysentery and to give some comfort to the sick man. He would give away his own bits of rations to the starving and encouraged the men to come together for a blessing of their "meals" in order to encourage sharing food. He made pots out of pieces of roofing tin so they could boil snow for clean water to drink.

But his men say that Fr. Emil's greatest gift to them was the gift of hope. He ministered to the dying men in his care with the tender love of Christ, they say. He baptized them, heard their confessions, prayed with them, laughed and cried with them. He told them stories of his Kansas childhood and listened to what they hoped to do when they got out of the Army. The Korean soldiers would beat Fr. Emil when they caught him celebrating Mass or praying the Rosary with the men, but that didn't stop him. The men in POW Camp #5 simply knew him as "The Father," no matter what their own faith happened to be. He worked every day to be the good shepherd to his flock of starving men. After 6 months of this hell, Fr. Emil developed a blood clot in one of his frozen feet and died. He was buried along with other POW's in a mass grave near the camp. Almost immediately after the end of the war, stories of his charity and bravery made their way to Washington. Fr. Emil was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. His example of faith, charity, and sacrifice have also caused the Vatican to begin the formal process which could name him a Saint of the Church. In 1993, Fr. Emil received the title of "Servant of God." And so, on this Vet-erans Day, 2009, we prayerfully thank God for all the men and women of our country who have so generously given of themselves in service to America. And may Fr. Emil Kapaun, Servant of God, pray for us. Amen.

The Catholic Church of St. Gerard Majella invites all Catholics in our area to worship with us. We are located at 3049 LaFayette Road in Ft. Oglethorpe, just north of the entrance to Chickamauga Battlefield. Sunday Mass is at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. with Vigil Mass at 5:30 p.m. We have a program of instruction available for anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic Church. Do you have questions? Email them to us at: website@saintgerardmajella.net

"No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends."---The Gospel of St. John,15:13

Norma Haisten, Pathway Baptist Church

Old Fashion Day at our church.Many ladies in long dresses with shawls and bonnets. Many men in overalls and workshirts. Bro. Mark was in his usual church attire; while wife, Shannon was dressed old fashioned. It was neat and different, and did not take away from the service or the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Service was opened in prayers for the sick and other needs; then Kevin Myers lead us in two hymns.

Bro. Mark scripture for our message was Acts 28-1:15. Each of us has to deal with storms in our life; but Chris-tians do not have to handle the storms alone; Jesus is always near. Ride out the storm and then there is work to be done. Paul is traveling wherever Jesus sends him to spread the gospel; yet he has many storms. He keeps his faith strong, trying hard to teach others how ow with Jesus' help to manage their storms. We have to learn to shake off the storms, but we can't do it alone. Rely on Jesus. As Paul did, spread the word about Salvation. Let your light shine on those still in the dark. Jesus' love is sufficient for every person. Ask Jesus into your heart and your life will change and your Salvation is forever.

Debby Broom directed the choir in several songs. Debby Broom and Evelyn Nelson sang 'What A Meeting.' Shan-non Smith, Aaron Robertson and Debby Broom sang ' It Is Well.' Rhonda Cawood and Debby Broom sang 'He Still Reigns.' Each song had choir assistance on the chorus. Ella Kilgore and June DeSmith (Ella's daughter) sang duet on 'How Beautiful Heaven Must Be.' June has sang before, but I can't recall her singing with Mrs. Ella. Evelyn Nel-son is also Mrs. Ella's daughter. We have a great choir and great singers, one just has to be blessed when they hear them. Debby was not feeling well, dealing with a terrible headache.Trust that she is already feeling better.

To all our visitors of today. Thank you for being with us. Trust that you were blessed.

Welcome to new member, Angel Pell.

Mickey Chattin had a trip to the ER. I spoke with her a short time ago and she a better, but out of energy. Those old virus germs really can make one sick. Dorothy Workman also made a trip to the ER, but they found no problem. Ellie Pitts was in ICU at Hutcheson for several days and now in a room. Bro. Charles Blevins is having back prob-lems. David Watson has a health problem. Tom Collins is in Memorial. He is dealing with several problems. Tom was our choir director for a long time. We ask your prayers for these and for little Joshua whose cancer has re-turned, David and Barbara Allen, Kathy Clark, Leon and Margie Schmitt, Wayne Dobbs (brother of our member Yvonne Paris). Doris and Roy Neal, Valerie Mullins; she is now finished her radiation treatments. Melina Bender gets to return to her job on Monday; months after her leg/knee surgery. Remember other bulletin names, all that are ill in hospitals and nursing homes.

Pray for the military, that God will bring them safely home; very soon.

November 8 thru January 3, Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. November 10, Deacon's Meeting at 6:30 PM. Novem-ber 10, Ladies Bible Study at 6:30 PM. November 14, Chili Supper and Auction at 4 PM, sponsored by the Brother-hood. Auction items needed; see Russell Kinsey for details.

Happy Birthday Wishes to Mary Gibson and Cindy Lively McGee, today; November 8. Jimmy Amberson on No-vember 10, Brooklyn Pell on November 11, Seth Huskins on November 13 and Tracey Allen on November 14.

Good Thought: Wanted: Messengers to deliver the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Lillie Ware, Salem Baptist Church

Sunday was a very good day at Salem. Our attendance is still growing.

We had our Thanksgiving Memorial service and lunch after church Sunday. We remember George and Geneva Watts who helped us get our fellowship hall. It is called the Ronald Watts Memorial Building in memory of their son Ronald Watts. We thank them over and over and to God for the building. We use it all the time.

We were sorry to learn of the death of Howard Trew last week. He was a cousin of James Trew and Betty Taylor.

Janice Watkins said her new grandson is the prettiest baby in the world. That’s what all grandmas’ say. Christo-pher Kahne is doing great. They treat him like a doll.

Pray for Missionary Tommy Tillman he is busy preaching all the time. He thanks everyone who helps support him. He left this week to back to Thailand.

Several Salem folks got together Friday night and went to a restaurant in East Ridge named Mama’s Thai Kitchen. The lady that owns the restaurant is from Thailand and the food is authentic to that country. Everyone enjoyed the food especially Barbara Trew who is a friend of hers.

Happy birthday to Debbie Jamison on Wednesday, Nov. 4.

There was a large crowd of Ensley and Carpentar relatives at the reunion. They all grew up at Salem.

Melba Silvey and Susie and Archie McNish spent several days last week at their cabin in the mountains.

We really had beautiful sunny weather last week.

If you don’t have a church home we invite you to come to Salem, when you hear Bro. Glenn preach you will be sure to come back. Our choir is so good and the special singing will bless you.

Our Wednesday night service is good we are still studying the book of Genesis.

My niece April Kenner has returned to New York City after visiting here a few weeks. She reads my church col-umn on line so I’ll say hello to her.

Our Team Kids are doing well and their attendance is up. They meet on Sunday at 5:30 until 6:30. Come join them.

Pray for all the sick folks. Pat Bates and Fae Ensley are improving. Thanks to all who prayed for me.

Gregg and Christine Kittle are home after a well-deserved vacation.

Hello to Boyd Kittle in Gatlinburg. Do you feel older being a grandpa or is it just wonderful. There is nothing sweeter than being grandparents.

The flags are up in Ringgold. I was told they are so pretty. All veterans were recognized Sunday at Salem for Veterans Day.

Melba Jean Ensley Davidson will have surgery next Monday.

Our sympathy to the family of Allen Davidson who died last week. He was the son of Bill Davidson and stepson of Melba.

Pray for Dana Cornelison in Milton, Florida. He is recovering from surgery and will possibly have cancer treat-ment.

Congratulations to Soucci Taylor. She was awarded sportsman of the year at the awards day at the ice-skating in Knoxville where she skates. She is so pretty in her skating outfit.

Margie Stringer, North Whitfield Baptist

Sunday was a very good day; we had a good service Sunday morning. The church fixed a great meal for my birth-day. The ladies out did their selves fixing lunch. We had several visitors, sister Welyn McNeese came sure was good to see her. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Landen family. James Landon was buried Sat. afternoon. I love this family was some of this Pastor when I was at Pine Hill is always good so see you then. Sorry it was on this occasion, but death is coming to all of us. The main thing is to be ready. Margie is back in the hospital with blood clots in her leg. She is able to come home the first of the week. Bro. David Turner preached for Bro. Alvin Cummings Sunday morning at Look Mt. Baptist Church. Bro. David Cantrell is in the Hamilton Medical Center. Sunday needs our prayers. So many sick folk. Bro. Ray Greeson, Dimple Clark, Bro. Onise and Sister Mamie Young. Bro. Wilson and Ruth Gaddis, Dimple Clark. Brother James Bryson is at home after a stay in the hospital. Mrs. Daisy was able to be at church Sunday morning. She is such a blessing.

It sure was a blessing at the funeral home, the Elenezer crowd are like family. To us, we went to church with them it is always good to church with them it is always good see any of them. Sunday night Bro. Jessie Brown preached. He is 90 years old, been preaching 73 years, started in 1936. I was only one year old when he started. He sure is a great blessing to all of us. We had a good crowd and a good service. Pray for Sister Francis Keown, she is to have surgery Tues. morning at Hamilton Medical Center. Bro. David Cantrell is to have tests run tomorrow. Pray for Bro. Lamar Bells family, he passed away.He is John Bells son. Bro. Kanlys Brother, our deepest sympathy goes out to that family, sure hope all of you have a great week.

We are getting ready for the Christmas drama. It will be the week of Dec. 19 and 20, Sat night at 7, and Sun night at 6p.m. Thanksgiving and Christmas are not far away. This year will soon be gone. We will also have a new years watch service this year. I always enjoy these services each year. We have sandwiches after it is over. Still pray for Bro. James and Mary Lampton until next week. The thought for the week: A servant serves his Mastor because he has to. An employee serves his employee because he needs to. A Christian serves his Master because he wants to. Serve him with partner, serve him with joy, serve him because there is a reward. Serve the Lord because it is the right thing to do.

Emma Jo Davis, Pleasant Valley Baptist Church

Don't forget to thank all the veterans this week as Wednesday is Veteran's Day.We have a very beautiful re-minder if we go through Ringgold, as we see the Flags everywhere. I really appreciate our veterans for what they have sacrificed for us and for all the volunteers that helped put the flags out to honor them.

Church Visitation will be this Saturday, November 14th at 11AM.

If you want to see our church grow come out and help in putting out literature about the church and meeting the people of the community.

Our monthly Nursing Home Service will be Tuesday, November 17th at 10:30AM at Standifer Place. Come join us for this service, it is always a blessing.

Bro. David preached in the Sunday Morning Service on "Remember the Days of Old" from Lamentations 5:21. Pa-triotism, when everyone was proud to be an American and a Christian. The other points were Prayer toward God,Pursuit after God, Proclaiming God and Praising God.

We were glad to have Bro. Young Brock with us in the Sunday Evening Service. He is always a blessing. He was leaving Tuesday with some other preachers to go to Romania where they have a work there with Romanian Pastors and workers. Pray that they will have a safe trip and for the Mission Field there.

We had several out on Sunday, John and Alma Bryson were both sick. We missed Dewayne and Wanda Hill. His dad, Mack Hill is in the hospital, he is having some complications from some tests he was having. Pray for him. Jeanette Young went for her first treatment last week. Pray that these, at least will help with the pain. Ellie Pitts was still in the hospital on Sunday. She had to be taken last week as she was having problems with her breathing.

Remember her and her family as they care for her.

A large group of Florence Peter's family and friends met at the Fellowship Hall at Pleasant Valley to celebrate her birthday on Saturday afternoon.

Maudie Cawood got her Cornea transplant last Thursday in Atlanta. Everything went fine and she came home on Friday.

Continue to pray that this one will do as well as the other one did. We thank the Lord for this.

We send our condolences to the Bell Family in the death of Lamar Bell. He grew up here in the Valley. Others on our prayer list this week are: Lula Petty,Louise Clark,

Ruby Logan, Steve Wilson, Ruby Stafford, Bro. Cliff and Faye Robinson, Neno Denton,Arthur Longwith, Our Ser-vicemen and Women, Our Missionaries and Our Country.

Happy Birthday Wishes to Ruth Denton, November 12. Dewayne Hill, November 14. Bro. David Flood and Tim Holcomb, November 17.

Thought for Today: Blessed is the person who is too busy to worry in the daytime and to sleepy to worry at night.